Former Georgia Bulldogs QB Matthew Stafford Wins Super Bowl
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It was a Hollywood ending for former Georgia Bulldogs QB Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.
Down 20-16, and with time running out, Stafford took the Rams on a 15-play, 79-yard drive that resulted the game-winning 1-yard throw to Cooper Kupp. Stafford said Atlanta native Sean McVay continued to call plays for the former UGA star to connect with Cooper Kupp, who ended the day with two touchdowns including the game winner.
"He said: 'Matthew, you and Coop go get this done.' He kept calling plays for him. (Kupp) kept making unbelievable plays. That's what he does.”
Stafford ended the day going 26 for 40 with 283 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Stafford had to do much of the work himself with a non-existent run game, and feature receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sidelined with a game-ending injury.
"I am so proud of this team,” Stafford told NBC after the gam. “There are so many guys on our team that deserve this. So many great players. Guys that have just given their heart to this team. I am so proud of this group. The game today was the story of our season - it is up and down; it is tough. But we are a freaking tough team. We got it done. I am excited.”
The game-winning drive was a work of art from Stafford and Kupp, who teamed up multiple times to get the Rams their first Super Bowl win since 1999.
"It will go down as one of the greatest drives in Super Bowl history," NBC's Cris Collinsworth remarked after the game.
Stafford was a multi-year starter at Georgia after being signed by Mark Richt and Mike Bobo in 2006. He was selected No. 1 overall in 2009 by the Detroit, who traded him before the 2021 season to the Rams for a boatload of draft picks.
Stafford wasn’t the only former Bulldog showing out. Linebacker Leonard Floyd won his first Super Bowl after recording five tackles and a sack for the Rams, who tied a Super Bowl record with seven sacks. Rams RB Sony Michel won his second Super Bowl with the win on Sunday night. Former Georgia running back Thomas Brown is the Rams’ running backs coach.
The Rams could be back in the Spuer Bowl next year if Stafford continues to play at an elite level. According to FanDuel, the Rams have +450 odds to win the NFC during the 2022 seeason.
